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Are They Really "Digital Employees"?

Demystifying the AI Workforce

Cut through the noise, close the critical gaps and lead your organization toward real AI value.

The boardroom conversation about AI has never been louder. “Digital employees,” “digital colleagues,” “AI workforce.” The language is everywhere, and the pressure on IT executive leaders to respond is intense. But what does the research actually say?

According to Gartner®, market hype touting AI agents as “digital employees” fuels anxiety and unrealistic expectations, ignoring critical gaps in technical reality, management practices and cultural nuances. The organizations that will lead are not the ones chasing the most AI agents. They are the ones redesigning work orchestration, building AI literacy and implementing the right governance frameworks.

Gartner® research highlights:

  • By 2028, organizations using AI agents in teams could see 15% higher employee engagement.
  • 17% of employees already think AI could replace their jobs, making AI literacy a business priority.
  • Competitive advantage will come from redesigning work across people and AI not just reducing headcount.

The leaders who act now will be the ones setting the agenda tomorrow. Download the Gartner® report and get the strategic clarity your organization needs to move from AI hype to real AI value.

Available in these languages: English

Source: Gartner®, “Are They Really ‘Digital Employees’? Demystifying the AI Workforce,” Lacy Lei, Helen Poitevin, et al., 5 February 2026.

Gartner® does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner® publications consist of the opinions of Gartner® business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner® disclaims all warranties expressed or implied with respect to this publication including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

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